The World Citrus Organisation raises concerns about private food safety standards and their impact on the citrus sector

26 November 2025

The World Citrus Organisation raises concerns about private food safety standards and their impact on the citrus sector

The World Citrus Organisation (WCO), representing citrus producers worldwide, has expressed serious concerns about the growing trend of private food safety criteria imposed by retailers. According to the organisation, these non-scientific requirements jeopardise the sustainability of the citrus sector, threaten farmers’ livelihoods, and may ultimately reduce fruit availability in consumer markets.

In recent weeks, WCO has been analysing, together with its members, the impact of the proliferation of private standards on the global citrus industry. Of particular concern are restrictions related to plant protection products and maximum residue levels (MRLs) that go beyond national and international regulations. The organisation warns that these requirements contradict scientific evidence and undermine the role and credibility of competent authorities responsible for food safety.

Boitshoko Ntshabele from South Africa’s Citrus Growers Association (CGA) noted:

“Citrus growers fully comply with national and international regulations to ensure safe and nutritious fruit. Meanwhile, retailers increasingly impose private rules that exceed legal requirements, which may negatively impact production volumes and the competitiveness of trade.”

He also stressed that such restrictions could limit the effectiveness of necessary treatments aimed at preventing the development of pests and diseases, particularly as climate change intensifies these pressures.

These risks and challenges are outlined in the WCO position paper “Private Food Safety Criteria and their impact on the citrus sector”, presented at Fruit Attraction in Madrid. The document is available in English, Spanish, and French to ensure broad international access.

Key points highlighted in the position paper include:

Bans on legally approved active substances, which threaten effective pest and disease control
Imposing stricter MRLs than those set by law, resulting in resistance build-up, food waste, and economic losses
Restrictions on the number of residues, making Integrated Pest Management (IPM) unworkable, reducing resilience to climate change, and increasing waste

The WCO calls on retailers to refrain from setting private food safety criteria beyond legal frameworks.

Jose Antonio García Fernández from Ailimpo (Spain) emphasised:

“It is essential to maintain constructive dialogue within the supply chain to prevent a proliferation of subjective requirements that create confusion and impose unnecessary costs on growers.”

He warned that failing to do so could compromise fruit quality, increase food waste, and ultimately reduce citrus availability on supermarket shelves.

Bard Bennis (Les Domaines Agricoles, Morocco), President of WCO, added:

“I welcome this important analysis undertaken by the Association. Citrus is one of the largest categories within the fruit and vegetable sector — around 135 million tonnes are produced annually on 10 million hectares worldwide. Each year, depending on supply and demand, between 45 and 50 million tonnes are traded globally, worth more than USD 50 billion.”

He concluded:

“The citrus industry brings health to consumers thanks to the natural benefits of citrus fruit. Our growers take this responsibility seriously and follow the most responsible and sustainable agricultural practices to ensure consumer confidence in quality and safe citrus.”

Contact:

World Citrus Organisation (WCO)

www.worldcitrusorganisation.org